Most owners would perform pet CPR

Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009

By Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - Most pet owners would leap into action for an injured pet, even if it meant risking dog breath by going mouth-to-snout.

Fifty-eight percent of pet owners - 63 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners - would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet in the event of a medical emergency, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll.

In general, though, the poll found few pet owners are prepared to handle pet emergencies. Just 20 percent of pet owners have a pet first aid kit with medical supplies like bandages and ointment in their home, and 54 percent do not have a fire evacuation plan for their pets.